Yvette R. Murray, an award-winning poet and author, discusses her children’s book “We Celebrate Gullah Geechee.” The book of verse, illustrated by Tanya Engel, uses the voices of children to showcase the vibrant culture and its connection to the land and waterways. Murray emphasizes the importance of preserving Gullah Geechee culture and the need to educate children about its significance.

The Gullah Geechee people, descendants of formerly enslaved individuals, created a Creole language and built a foundation for future generations despite horrific conditions. The handprints of enslaved children in Charleston’s red bricks serve as a stark reminder of their forced labor and the importance of remembering their history. The skills and labor of enslaved people, such as rice cultivation and brickmaking, were crucial to the economy and cannot be ignored.

Hernán Ramiro shares a live recording from touring with Fred Wesley and the New JBs, featuring Reggie Ward, Dwayne Dolphin, Bruce Cox, Gary Winters, and Coleman Woodson III, and another live recording from the Blue Note with Damon Dwight, Howard Britz, and Preston Fullwood. You won’t hear these anywhere else!

We also share an excerpt from Beyond Bordres about Project Hope, which provides essential support, including medical aid, food, and assistance to families of murdered journalists, in conflict zones. The organization emphasizes mutual aid and solidarity, drawing parallels between the struggles in Palestine and those of indigenous people on Turtle Island. The conversation highlights the importance of supporting grassroots efforts for liberation and challenges the normalization of devastation.